Virgil van Dijk is on track to return to training from a serious knee injury in eight weeks time, according to Holland manager Frank de Boer via The Athletic.
The Liverpool ace has been out since October and has missed 34 games across all competitions, during which time the Reds have plummeted down the Premier League table.
There has been speculation around the timeframe for the Dutchman’s comeback and with a European Championships this summer, as Holland captain there is heightened scrutiny on whether he will return for that competition.
However, De Boer has admitted in his latest press conference that the centre-back is ‘on the right track’ on his road to recovery.
“I can understand they (Liverpool) don’t want to put any pressure on Virgil at all and neither do we.
“His recovery is going according to plan. We know he has eight weeks left. I don’t know if that’s enough for him to be ready for the Euros.
“I have spoken to him, he’ll soon be returning to training, but there can be all kinds of setbacks. A week or two of setbacks could mean he cannot play any games for Liverpool still this season.
“Anything he can contribute to Liverpool and possibly us would be a bonus. I’m not counting on it right now. But if it did happen, it would be fantastic for the national team.”
The 29-year-old has been a transformative signing in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tenure, leading the Reds to UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FIFA World Club Cup success.
L4L’s VIEW
Whilst Liverpool supporters are craving the return of their ‘Rolls Royce’ centre-back, there’s not a single one who would jeopardise his long-term fitness for a quick comeback.
Perhaps in an ideal world van Dijk would sit out the entire summer and ensure he is ready and raring to go for the start of next season.
